Hi folks,

There are a few spots still left for next year's WRW. We've got some great guests who will be here. Hope to see some of y'all there!

Blue skies,
Les

Writers Retreat Workshop 2017 May 6 - 13    San Antonio, TX

The 30th year of Writers Retreat Workshopfeatures, as always, top authors, instructors, agents and editors. Work with all our of visiting and core staff in classrooms, diagnostic groups, and 1-1 sessions. Only 35 new and returning writers will attend...will you be one? We're thrilled to announce our newest visiting author for 2017. Mystery and thriller novelist Reavis Wortham returns for his second year after the announcement of his newest thriller series published by Kensington Publishing (July 2017) featuring Texas Ranger Sonny Hawke. Wortham's long-running series, the Red River Mysteries, has a new installment titled Unraveled (Red River Publishing). Yes, Reavis has two series titles with two publishers. He's prolific, fabulous, and we're very excited to welcome him back to WRW. Lisa Cron's newest book-of-craft for writers is titledStory Genius. Her first book, Wired For Story, challenged writers in a refreshing way. In the last month I've spoken to writers who are reading Cron's books and, with all the workshops and classes they've attended, Cron's "brain science" approach has opened new doors in all aspects of their Story. It's a rarity to be with Lisa in an intimate setting like WRW. If you haven't read her work, do your inner artist a favor and read them now. Thriller novelist Daniel Palmer returns to WRW with the publication of his pre-order novel, Forgive Me, (called by early reviewers "10 stars...his best book yet"). In 2016, Daniel released his novel Constant Fear, and in early 2017 is the publication of a novel he finished along with his father, NYT bestselling author (and amazing man much missed by all), Michael Palmer titled Mercy. It's a busy year for Daniel, and we're grateful he's spending part of that time with the WRW family. Les Edgerton is one of our most-in-demand authors, instructors, and guy we love to have around. Les' latest novel, Bomb!, is getting him even more rave reviews than the dozen plus earlier fabulous works. Joe Lansdale says, "Les Edgerton has swiftly become my favorite crime writer. Original voice, uncompromising attitude and a pure hardboiled style leap him to the front ranks of my reading list. He will become legendary.” He's already legendary in our world. Agents and additional visiting staff yet to be announced. Of course, our WRW core staff of the brilliant Carol Dougherty, Jason Sitzes and Lisa Willars-Pirc will be on hand to lead the way. We're welcoming back WRW family to lead Night Owl and Early Bird sessions, show folks the ropes, run diagnostic groups, and make WRW 2017 the best yet. Visit our website for more information. We hope to welcome you, your story, your characters, and your hopes/dreams in May. -Jason . If you're in the mood for something sooner... how about next month in Pennsylvania with a terrific line-up? Wake Up and Write Writers Retreat Workshop Nov 14 - 19, 2016 Haverford, PA with David Corbett, Tex Thompson, Carol Dougherty, and Jason Sitzes Wake Up and Write Writer's Retreat Workshopis a craft-oriented workshop with the focus squarely on your work-in-progress, and what we can do to help you unlock the potential of the story you want to tell. The workshop is limited to 25 students in order to provide each student an opportunity for several one-on-one consultations with our staff. In addition, we will offer classes for all students, optional informal sessions on a variety of topics, and diagnostic sessions in small groups, plus plenty of writing time. Editorial and Coaching Whether you're writing for a publisher, or writing toward your own independent goals, your story will be improved using the eyes and insight of a professional editor. Work with Jason personally and receive 1-1 conversations, audio reports, and detailed comments based on your work. This is not copy editing, and you won't receive form 'lectures'. Every word of feedback is specific to your manuscript. You receive not only story development feedback on character, description, pacing, scene and sentence structure, but also conceptual lessons and personal feedback to last through the next project and the next. With over 15 years working with hundreds of writers through manuscript evaluations and 1-1 sessions, you'll work directly with WRW Program director/instructor Jason Sitzes. Jason specializes in teaching through explanation and example. Also available for 1-1 instruction, reading your work, and feedback/brainstorming in your town or Austin.  Contact us for more information and to discuss the many options available to you regardless of where you are in the writing process. Lisa Cron Daniel Palmer Reavis Wortham Les Edgerton

AUDITORS FOR MY ONLINE WRITING CLASS

Hi folks,

I'm about to climb on a plane tomorrow to head to Austin and San Antonio (they're in Texas, case you weren't aware) for eight days of the marvelous Writer's Retreat Workshop (WRW) at the Oblate Retreat Center in San Antone.

Just read a FB post by Craig McNeely, who audited my online writing class last session, who wrote in it:

I've been working on a novel for the past three-four years. Sometimes the work has been heavier than others but still, the fact remains that the book hasn't truly "worked" in this time.

Then, this year, I audited a workshop from Les Edgerton. Learned a few basic but crucial things about storytelling and discovered ways in which I've been too precious about my own work, unwilling to really consider what does or doesn't work, the way I would with a client or an old DLP author.

Now, for instance, I know that this novel really begins on page 34. Got a long way to go to the finish line but it's better now than it ever was before.

So what I'm saying is: you ever get a chance to do this thing with Les in the future, you take it. I promise you'll get something out of it. Maybe not the same as what I got, but there is much insight to be had.

Craig McNeely

And, that reminded me I hadn't sent out a call for auditors for the current session. We had just begun Week 1 of our 10-week session when I had to suspend class for two weeks for my Texas trip. Which means if anyone's interested in auditing this session, we can get you in and you won't miss any of it. We'll pick up with Week 2 after I return on May 22. The fee is $50 for auditing, as opposed to $400 for active participation. We are rarely able to take on new class members as people keep taking it and the ones already in it always have first shot. This last time was a bit unusual as we had two openings from folks who'd finished their novel and are taking a bit of a hiatus while they sell their books. When we do take on new members, we always go to our auditors for the first chance.

If you're interested and would like more info, just shoot me an email at butchedgerton@comcast.net. You won't even miss what we did on Week 1 as it's all archived. You'll see everything we do in class and the only difference between an auditor and an active class member is that, just like in a college class, auditors sit in class but just don't participate. But, they see everything we're doing and just about everyone who's audited has told me it was a remarkably profitable experience for their writing.

So... there ya go. Hope if any of you are in or near Austin tomorrow night, you'll stop in for the Noir @ the Bar reading I'm doing with three other terrific writers at Threadgill's Bar at 7 pm. It's gonna be fun!

Blue skies,

Les

STUFF'S HAPPENIN'!

Hi folks,

Lot of stuff going on! Just returned from Indy where I gave a workshop on Thelma & Louise and then had dinner with Joe Lansdale. And now, it’s gonna get busy up in here!

Me and Joe Lansdale in Indy.

On May 12, I fly to Austin, Texas where that night at 7 pm I get to take part in a Noir @ the Bar event, hosted by Scott Montgomery of Texas largest independent bookstore, Book People, at the Threadgill’s Bar on Riverside Drive. If you’re in the area, stop in and listen to me, Jesse Sublett, Con Lehane and Jordan Harper reading our stuff. For details, check here: http://www.bookpeople.com/event/noir-bar-feat-les-edgerton-jordan-harper-con-lehane-jesse-sublett

Scott Montgomery and Reavis Wortham at BookPeople

Then, as soon as we’re done, Scott is going to drive me over to San Antonio where I’ll be for the next week at the Writer’s Retreat Workshop (WRW) at the Oblate Retreat as a staffer. Bunch of really good folks appearing there, including Reavis Wortham, Tex Thompson, David Corbett, Michelle Johnson, Matthew Brock, Carol Dougherty, Jason Sitzes, Marjorie Brody, Carl Brush, Scott Montgomery, and Lisa Pirc.

 Marjorie Brody leading a morning session at WRW.

 Carol Dougherty in a one-on-one session with a participant at WRW.

 The Grotto at Oblate Renewal Center. Just a peaceful, gorgeous place... and the food is fantastic!

 Me and Reavis Wortham at MysteryPeople at BookPeople.

 Matt Brock leading a class at WRW.

 Me, doing my thing at WRW.

Some of the back row "bad boys" at WRW...

As it turns out, four more openings for participants for WRW just became available. If interested, just go to their webpage for complete info. If you can swing it, I think you’ll find it to be an experience truly transformative for your writing career. At http://www.writersretreatworkshop.com/index.html

Yesterday, I was honored to have my book BOMB! reviewed on the Booked Podcast. Check it out at:http://www.bookedpodcast.com/304-bomb/

And, a few days back, I had a ton of fun being interviewed by Tom Pitts on his podcast, Skid Row Chatter, on the Authors on the Air podcast. Check it out at:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/authorsontheair/2016/04/21/the-fantastic-felonies-major-misdemeanors-of-les-edgerton-on-skid-row-chatter

That’s all, folks! Hope to see some of you at some of these events. And, I know it's short notice, but if you can make it to WRW I think you'll discover it to be a major turning point in your writing career.

Blue skies,

Les

NOIR AT THE BAR, SKID ROW ON THE AIR WITH TOM PITTS AND WRW!

Hi folks,

Got a few things coming up shortly you might want to check out. First, I’ll be on the air with Tom Pitts for an interview on his podcast, Skid Row on the Air on Authors on the Air. We go live on Wednesday April 20 at 9 pm EST. It’ll be up later if you can’t make that time. Check it out at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorsOnTheAir/

We'll be chatting about my newest novel, BOMB! and a life of crime...

Then, in May, I head down to my home state of Texas for a couple of events. The first is a wild night at the very first Noir at the Bar at Threadgill’s Bar to read along with writers Jordan Harper and Jesse Sublett, hosted by Texas largest independent bookstore, Book People and Scott Montgomery. It’s gonna get nasty up in here?

JUST BOOKED: NOIR AT THE BAR with 

JORDAN HARPER, LES EDGERTON & 

JESSE SUBLETT

Thursday, May 12 at 7 PM

 
Noir at the Bar has moved! Come to our very first Noir at the Bar at Threadgill's for music and readings from Jesse Sublett and readings from Jordan Harper and Les Edgerton.   

When we’re done there, Scott is going to drive me up to (or is that down to?) San Antonio where I’ll be the next eight days as a staff member for this year’s Writer’s Retreat Workshop. Scott’s going to hang with us there for a day or two so he can get the chance to hang with Joe Lansdale and the others. Still some openings if you’re interested. This is one of the premier writing retreats in the country! Below are some links and info about the annual event.

http://www.writersretreatworkshop.com/

Writers Retreat Workshop 2016

WRW 2016       May 12 - 19
Oblate Retreat and Conference Center
Heart of San Antonio, TX

WRW 2016 Agents and Editors Yet TBA:

Author (8 Bram Stoker Awards, Edgar Award, etc) Joe Lansdale 
Author (Children of the Drought series) Arianne"Tex" Thompson
Author and Instructor Les Edgerton
Short Story Author and Instructor Matthew Brock
Author and Editor-in-Residence Carol Dougherty
WRW Program Director, author, instructor Jason Sitzes
WRW Coordinator Lisa Willars-Pirc 

Our History

The WRW story begins in June of 1987 in a Victorian retreat center tucked away in the sleepy countryside village of Woodstock, Connecticut. There, a small group of pre-published novelists and writers of narrative non-fiction gathered for the first Writers Retreat Workshop. Their purpose: to study with one of the leading teachers of writing for publication- Gary Provost, known to them as “The Writer's Writer.” And the purpose of the WRW: to teach these students all that Gary knew about the art, craft, and business of being a novelist.

"Until his untimely death in 1995 at the age of fifty, Gary Provost was arguably the leading teacher of writing in the United States.”—Writer's Digest Books

"When I planned our first WRW, I had an ideal vision of how the work sessions would go, but because we were doing this for the first time, naturally I worried. As it turned out, things went better than I had even hoped. The work sessions were lively, thoughtful, and constructive. The writers who came were all the serious-minded, dedicated people we had tried to reach. Though we enjoyed fun and good conversation each day, nobody forgot why we were there: to bring our books closer to publication. For me, it was exciting to see writers abandoning poor writing habits and breaking through to new levels of ability.

WRW was the most satisfying teaching experience of my career, and I believe that for the writers it was the most successful learning experience. Perhaps the best measure of last year's success is the fact that all of our writers continued to work on their books... and are in touch with each other still."--Gary Provost

For these serious writers, Gary simplified the complex with his unique blend of warmth, wit, and wisdom; creating an easy-to-absorb, step-by-step course that has become the hallmark of WRW instruction. He was a master communicator, and of his more than 24 published books covering most genres, seven were written specifically for writers. Included in that list are such top sellers as Writer’s Digest Books’ Make Every Word Count, Beyond Style: Mastering the Finer Points of Writing, Make Your Words Work, and the more recent How To Tell A Story: The Secrets of Writing Captivating Tales.

Because Gary Provost was an inspiration to writers around the globe, his sudden death in 1995 left the writing world shaken. At WRW, however, his indomitable spirit endures as his legacy lives on. Founded by Gary and Gail Provost to provide writing students with as much current nuts and bolts information as possible in the short amount of time, WRW continues to offer an abundance of advice, tips, and guidance; ensure a nurturing supportive environment free of “real life” distractions; and include a hearty dose of fun.

So, who are these WRW participants who feel compelled to attend these cherished opportunities to learn and grow as writers? They are dedicated students, committed to learning to improve their craft in order to publish their novels. Although they arrive at varying levels of ability and experience, all make dramatic leaps and leave WRW as far more confident writers. Without exception.

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Oblate Retreat and Conference in the heart of San Antonio is the home of WRW. Your eight days of intensive learning, writing, workshops, ample 1-1 meetings with industry professionals, and making life-long memories will be held against the backdrop of a gorgeous Texas retreat center.

Co-founded in 1987 by the late Gary Provost (author and internationally acclaimed teacher of writing for publication) and his wife Gail, WRITERS RETREAT WORKSHOP is an intensive learning experience for small groups of serious-minded writers who are committed to improving and completing their novels for submission. For those who consider their writing to be a vital part of their lives, one they wish to develop as fully as possible, WRW provides the ideal experience.

Visit our photo page for past WRW events memorable moments. Read more about the history of the internationally acclaimed Writers Retreat Workshop.

What exactly happens at the Writers Retreat Workshop?

At WRW you will find a forum in which to express yourself and your creativity, your ambitions and fears. You will be made to feel at home so that nothing stands in the way of your success during the eight days.

This is a workshop, and you will work.

You'll attend class each morning and be taught WRW's in-depth, step-by-step course for crafting your novel, of any genre, for publication. This is not formulaic novel instruction. There is no such formula. Gary broke down novel structure scene-by-scene, dissected characters, taught how to choose words with impact, and shared many other fine details novelists must learn as second nature. Here, at WRW, we review these stylistic tools over and over throughout the week until you leave feeling equipped, inspired, and revitalized about your novel. We don't teach the art-- we teach the craft and instruct you on how to nurture the artist. Class instruction uses examples from classic to bestsellers of that day. Prior to the workshop you will be given a list of books used and a series of pre-workshop assignments. During the workshop you will be given assignments, then go back to your private room or one of the various outdoor spots to write. All work focuses on your novel, so while you work on your story's structure, our dedicated staff will be available to brainstorm with you on your plot. In small group sessions, while learning how to diagnose your own and others' style strengths and weaknesses, you'll also boost your editing skills.

Other optional activities include 7am Early Bird sessions, evening wine and appetizer Shop Talks (featuring agents, instructors, students, and authors), Book Signing night, 10pm Night Owl Sessions, and ample 1-1 opportunities with core and visiting staff. WRW is as close to an eight-day, 20+ hour workshop as you can get. It's unparalleled in what it offers. And most of all, if you want only a nice writing retreat in which you work on your book and socialize when needed-- it's that as well. The only request of new participants is that you attend the morning sessions based on Gary Provost's groundbreaking course-- and you'll want to anyway. WRW is immersion in the writing world whether you're writing genre, literary fiction, children's literature, memoirs, short stories, or any number of creative writing endeavors. That's why top agents and authors return year after year.

Assisting you throughout the eight days will be WRW mentors and In-Residence guests, including authors/agents/editors who will share with you the truth about today's publishing "business" and --when they meet with you -- how best to market your novel-in-progress.

Where and when is the next Writers Retreat Workshop?

WRW 2016  May 12 - 19
Oblate Retreat and Conference Center
San Antonio, TX

Rides from the San Antonio airport (very near the the retreat center) will be available.

Do I belong at the Writers Retreat Workshop?
The decision to attend the WRW should, of course, be a considered one. After all, it is an emotional and financial commitment that you will be making.

Over the years, we've found that the most important prerequisite for making that decision is the belief that you deserve to be there; that you deserve to make an investment in your future as a writer. By signing up, you are proclaiming that your writing is a vital part of your life, one that you wish to develop as fully as possible. You'll understand, intuitively, that attending the WRW will mean you'll be giving the best gift you can to yourself . . . a week filled with work-and-fun- crammed days of writing and learning.

The key criteria for a successful eight days is to keep an open mind and have a willingness to expand your horizons. Through classes, assignments, diagnostic sessions, feedback, guest speakers, discussion groups, readings, informal gatherings, movies, and more, you will learn more than you had ever dreamed was possible.

What should I expect from the experience?
First of all, that you'll make dramatic improvements in your writing, editing, story sense and marketing skills. Also, that you'll meet a group of people with the same dreams and aspirations. That you'll laugh a great deal. That you'll be well-fed, nurtured and challenged. Expect to give yourself wonderful stretches of time to do the work you are meant to do--write. Expect that you'll be welcomed into the growing WRW family. Expect that your dreams will be revitalized.

Here are some comments from some of our recent Writers Retreat Workshop participants.

"WRW is a unique blend of writing craft education, and the development/enrichment of the spiritual side of writing. Until this retreat, I never realized one suffered without the other. Since WRW, I’ve found a deeper creativity, and a confidence I never had before.  I’ve carried some of the spiritual practices into my daily writing routine and have become a richer writer as a result." - Joni, TX (2015)

"If you are a writer, and you want to be a published author, you need the best instruction, feedback, and information necessary to accomplish that goal. WRW is the place to get all three from well-placed and well-respected industry experts in a nurturing environment with members of your own tribe—the nation of writers." – Rick, NC (2015 and previous)

"I learned more about craft- about the elements of story structure and scene development in ten days than I have from years of reading writer's books and attending conferences. And I did it in a warm, supportive community in an idyllic setting. Can't beat that!" - Lynn, KY

"There is no value like this anywhere else that I've been able to find. The returns for the writer's time, money, and creative efforts are immense." - Marilyn, OH

"The perfect mix of classes and writing time. I'll be back fro my fourth year." - Lynn

"The first year gives you the nuts and bolts. Returning provides more of the tools needed to build and create your story." - Kathy, Maine

"Always dreamed of spending time with other writers, just honing your craft and sharing creative ideas? WRW gives you the luxury of doing just that." - Pam

"WRW creates a new world for the writer's pen." - Brian, Seattle

I want to sign up. What should I do?
First- Feel free to email us. Request any information you need.

To participate in the WRITERS RETREAT WORKSHOP, visit the registration page.

Tuition for the 2016 session is as follows and all rooms are private with private bathrooms. 

Tuition for WRW includes: One on one consultations with all staff members, three excellent meals daily with fruit, beverages, and snacks available 24/8, nightly Shop Talk wine and beverage, your private room with private bathroom, all classes, and classroom materials. Probably more.

Everything but your transportation costs to the retreat center. There are a limited number of rooms, so you must send at least a deposit to hold your room. If you would like to make your full payment, or your deposit (second payment of $600 due two months before workshop, and the final payment of $600 due one month before workshop) by mail, send payment along with your name, address, e-mail, phone numbers (daytime, evening, fax), and a one-page summary of your novel-in-progress.

Our address is:
Writers Retreat Workshop
PO Box 170657
Austin, TX 78717

Hope to see some of you at these events!

Blue skies,

Les